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Items added on 30th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

30/11/2017

Long Rock Crossing
Roger Winnen

Long Rock Crossing Notice Long Rock 'Beware of goods trains and engines travelling in a wrong direction on this line' 20th January 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger Winnen

Carn Brea
Roy Hart

Carn Brea Station - the downside building remained for some years after closure. The road on the left is now a busy throughfare which extends alongside the line. The gates of the old yard have been swept away. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Some valuable notes about Carn Brea station from Roy Hart

Carn Brea changed its name three times in the nineteenth century: it opened as Pool, changed to Carn Brea, back to Pool and finally to Carn Brea!
The original WCR building is the stuccoed one on the down side. The small building on the up side is GW standard, dating from the doubling of the line in the 1890s.
In one picure, the signalbox can be glimpsed. It stood at the Redruth end of the up platform, and was replaced by a ground frame in October 1953. The building stood empty for a good few years after that.
Carn Brea shared with Truro the distinction of having two footbridges (until about 1935). One bridge went from the up to the down platform, the other for pedestrians from street to street, avoiding the platforms.
From the passenger point of view, Carn Brea was not busy, but there was always plenty of freight. After the closure of the Perranporth branch, all coal for that area came to Carn Brea. From the 1950s Holman's provided traffic (after their absorbtion of the nearby Climax company).
The station closed in January 1961. Freight ended and the yard was lifted in 1967. Today, there is little more than a gatepost to see of the entire installation.

Roy Many thanks Roy

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Items added on 29th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

29/11/2017

As plain as
Black and White
Andrew Triggs

37025 at rest with the test train at Penzance - 29th November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

The sole occupant of Penzance station is 37025 with the test train. Normally seen in colour it certainly makes a change in black and white - could have been many years ago, but it wasn't. 29th November 2017. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Along way from Inverness as 37025 hauls a test train
Roger Winnen

171129a Seen at Penzance 37025 Inverness TMD on a test train working from Exeter to Penzance then via St Ives and back to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

171129b 37025 is seen stabled at Penzance until 22.46 this evening before returning to Exeter via Gunnislake. Copyright Roger Winnen

Wadebridge
Roy Hart

Following Alan's picture at Dunmere Crossing, here is a shot of 30585 at Wadebridge, over 60 years ago - and she was ancient then! Today this engine is at Quainton Road, Bucks. She is seen coupled to an '02' 0-4-4T.

Dunmere Crossing
Alan Harris

A man with a red flag stands in the road to halt any traffic as a young man adopts the classic stance to get his picture as a Beattie Tank commences to haul its train across the Bodmin to Wadebridge road and on up the Wenford branch. From the Alan Harris Collection.

Winter sun on the L & B
Andrew Jones

Andrew writes:- We rent a cottage each year in Appledore, North Devon. Today 28th November 2017, I visited the embryonic Lynton and Barnstaple railway. This railway is going from strength to strength with plans to extend to Blackmoor Gate (1st stage) and Lynton (2nd stage) with ultimate aims of returning to Barnstaple.
We were very lucky to find trains running in late November, (only Tuesday mornings).
I have included one photograph of the 10.45 approaching Killington Lane and two photographs of the 12.30 departure from Woody Bay Station.
The locomotive is Kerr. Stuart & Co Ltd, no 2451, built in 1915 and rescued from dereliction at Rinxent, about 12 miles from Calais. It was repatriated in 1974, along with four sister locomotives.
As with everything to do with this railway, it is now in immaculate condition.
The railway recently took possession of a new build locomotive, based on a Baldwin 2-4-2 named Lyn, after the original locomotive, which was scrapped in September 1935, shortly after full line closure.
The driver explained that the new locomotive runs very smoothly, but due to its longer wheel base, can not be used on the points at Killington lane, although this will not be a problem once the new extension to Blackmoor gate is built.
As with the Helston Railway, the existing running line are approx 1 mile in length, but don’t let this put you off, as there is plenty to see and the staff can not do enough to make your visit a very pleasant experience.
Best Wishes Andrew Many thanks Andrew

Against a darkening sky the 10.45 from Woody Bay approaching Killington Lane on the 28th November 2017 Copyright Andrew Jones

A close up of the above picture. There is a quite fantastic view to the north from a train at this location. copyright Andrew Jones.

Everything is just right for this picture as the loco completes its run round exercise ready for the next trip to Killington. 28th November 2017. Copyright Andrew Jones.

A strong and very cold wind from the north takes the smoke away across the fields as a train heads away from Woody Bay towards Killington Lane. We very much look forward to the the extension to Blackmoor Gate becoming a reality. Well done L & B. Copyright Andrew Jones. The leafless trees make an excellent frame for this picture.

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Supreme effort!! Another Gem from John Cornelius. Copyright

Items added on 28th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

28/11/2017

The nearly finished extension to the Long Rock T.M.D.
Roger Salter

171128a Under a dramatic sky 57604 Idles in the new shed whilst the 1A83 10.00 Penzance to Paddington passes by. Copyright Roger Salter

171128b 57604 Pendennis Castle with the Night Riviera stock in the nearly completed maintenance shed at Long Rock. Copyright Roger Salter

171128d The new depot looking eastwards towards Marazion. Copyright Roger Salter

171128f The 10.46 Penzance to Plymouth passes the sheds washplant. Copyright Roger Salter

171128e The 10.46 Penzance to Plymouth service passes the depot. Copyright Roger Salter

Gwinear Road
Alan Harris

Usually at a junction with a main line it is the branch line which curves away from the main. However this was not the case at Gwinear Road where the main line is on a sharp curve and the first few chains of the branch was dead straight. From the Alan Harris Collection

Zooming in on the above picture there is lot of interest. Note the signalbox situated on the end of the the island platform, note the extremely wide crossing gates - the signalman often had to call for assistance from station staff to move these during periods of high winds. Note also that there appears to be a train standing behind the gates. There are wagons standing in the cattle pens, the extensive goods yard was to the right on the downside of the main line. From the Alan Harris Collection

Reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland. The main line to Penzance off to the left, the main line east to the upper right, the branch line to Helston bottom right. The bridge from which the above photograph was taken is clearly seen on the Helston branch. Note the extensive sidings.

Another very welcome footnote from Roy Hart.
The Gwinear Road picture dates from about 1960. The original Gwinear Road West box was on the up side (1887). It was replaced by a new box on the island platform in 1915, coinciding with the completion of double line from Hayle. The gates were very wide, of course (3 tracks) and were held in place by 2 mechanical stops on each side instead of the normal one. I remember as a teenager being allowed to work the gates and having to throw my whole weight on the wheel. No wonder they had to bring a porter out to help push the gates when the winds blew. Gwinear were the first automatic half-barrier gates in Cornwall, but not the first barriers (that was Long Rock, 1961).
The cattle pens (on left) fell out of use for their designated purpose after the war, but by the time of the picture, they were used for wagons of sand, several of which can be seen.
The short spur in the foreground was used for stabling the Helston goods brake van.
Till the day it closed, Gwinear Road had no running water:it was delivered by train. Even the big 1930s house next to the station (not the railway house shown in the picture) had to rely on a well. Shunting engines had to go to Praze for water (which is why Praze had a column).
These were the days when residents of Camborne-Redruth had to go to Gwinear Road or Truro to catch the Cornish Riviera Express!

Many thanks indeed Roy.

Gwinear Road from the 25 inch map 1905 app. Reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland. Note signal box in original position to the north of the up line. From the Alan Harris Col

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Items added on 27th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

27/11/2017

Stock Move
David Tozer and Nick Dyke

Exminster 68027 en route to Plymouth with 'Prentendino' stock!! Video Camera footage picture 27th November 2017 Copyright David

68027 at Plymouth after working 0Z09 from Laira. It arrived from Crewe this afternoon with the pretendelino stock. Copyright Nick Dyke

Many thanks to Nick and David.

Mexico Crossing
Roger Winnen

Roger takes a stroll up the beach. A most interesting picture as D1021 Western Cavalier approaches Mexixo Crossing, Long Rock, with an up service. Mexico Crossing is no more following a fatality a few years ago. Note the semaphores, the telegraph wires and posts. 31st December 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Little and large on shed. Now what did 'Blue Peter ' say to 'Pectin' - "One day out on the main line I ----" !! Copyright John Cornelius

Fowey
Alan Harris

Almost a painting. In the background Fowey village clinging to the western bank of the Fowey river. In the foreground a string of sheeted clay wagons await unloading plus one truck with barrels. Note the turnplates on which the loaded wagons were turned prior to being trundled out on the jetty. A Gem from the Alan Harris Collection

Additional very valuable information added by Roy Hart who says :-
I would date this picture around 1892. We are looking at the southern end of Carne Point sidings and wharves. The line from Lostwithiel (built in 1869 to broad gauge) has been purchased by the CMR and was regauged and reopened in 1895. The state of the trackwork here suggests that this has not yet come to pass. The Lower wharves at Carne Point (the ones we are looking at here) were built by the CMR with their line from St Blazey and opened in 1874. In the 1890s the passenger service to Lostwithiel began and the GWR (the new owners) extended the wharf installations upriver.
Many thanks Roy.

Items added on 26th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

26/11/2017

Bristol area
A Photographic Report from Colin Burges

Ashton Swing Bridge on the 10th June 1989 Copyright Roger Winnen. At that time it was still possible to access Wapping Wharf from Ashton Junction on the Portishead branch.

How the bridge looks now - as seen on the 29th July 2017. Ready for passenger use once more, but riding on the new guided bus system. Copyright Colin Burges.

For more information and links etc please click here and scroll down.

Fowey
Alan Harris

Another shot at Fowey station with two platforms available. Note how passengers are carefully protected from the 'elements' as they crossed the covered footbridge onto the up platform. Staff are obviously engaged in conversation, note one is holding a shunters pole.From the Alan Harris Collection

Roy Hart adds the much appreciated technical details. for which many thanks :- This photo was taken in the 1930s. A Lostwithiel train waits in the up platform while a mineral comes through, heading for Carne Point. Although the Lostwithiel train is an auto car, it is hauled by a 45XX (not auto fitted). This occasionally happened when St Blazey's sole auto engine was under repair. Until 1951, when the up platform was removed, the signalling required Lotwithiel trains to arrive on the left hand platform, then shunt over to depart from the right hand one.

Bristol Harbour Railway
John Cornelius

A lovely shot taken alongside the floating harbour. Copyright John Cornelius.

Items added on 25th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

25/11/2017

Its 1985
10.20 Penzance to Newcastle approaches Hayle Viaduct
Michael Forward

850615a 43167 and 43168 approaches Hayle Viaduct with the 10.20 Penzance to Newcastle on 15th June, 1985

Ponsandane Crossing
Roger Winnen

A long gone view of Ponsandane signalbox and the level crossing. Dated 31st December 1973. Copyright Roger Winnen

Focus on Fowey
Alan Harris

From the Alan Harris Collection. Very interesting detail of the second platform. Note (1) See the prominent advert - 'Navy Cut' The phrase "Navy Cut" is according to Player's adverts to originate from the habit of sailors taking a mixture of tobacco leaves and binding them with string or twine. The tobacco would then mature under pressure and the sailor could then dispense the tobacco by slicing off a "cut". Note (2) Regular passenger services between Fowey and St Blazey ceased on the 8th June 1928 although workers trains continued until 29th December 1934. Presumably after this time the second platform saw no traffic.

Roy Hart writes:- This picture is hard to date accurately, but I would say 1920s. Fowey was laid out as a conventional 2-platform station; here the down main is on the left. The train is on the up main, so is probably for Lostwithiel. It could also be a St Blazey train, which would have to move over to the down main for departure. The up platform (right side) became a dead end at the St Blazey end when that passenger service ended, in 1934. The Lostwithiel service had to shift to the rh platform for departure until 1951, after when only the lh platform in the picture was used. The goods (mineral) line runs down the middle. Many thanks Roy for this info. - received ten minutes ago. 07.57 25th November 2017

Blue Peter - Oath
John Cornelius

Items added on 24th November 2017 Those added most recently come first

24/11/2017

Six of the best -
Variety from
Craig Munday

The CDA loco has swapped three times in recent weeks from DB red 66206 giving way to red 085 and then this week a swap with 187. Often three locos is our lot for a year!

I popped down to Ian's farm for the last time in 2017 as the shadows now very steep with sunrise around 8am. The shadows were up over the track when I arrived, and I was pleased to see the angle increase as I watched. What perfection for relaxation, such a vista spread out in front of me - shadow watching. (I should get out more often)!
Many thanks for all your pictures Craig.

Carn Brea on the 17th November 2017 17th Copyright Craig Munday Craig says :- A visit to Carn Brea on 17th also was a sight to behold. Complete sunshine from dawn til dusk, and a magical sunset too. Who would want to live anywhere else? St Agnes Beacon to the left, (KJ lives out of sight in the bungalows behind the Castle). To the right in the distance can just be see the clay workings in the High Street area on St Austell's outskirts.

The end of a perfect day - the sunset from Par Box. 17th November 2017 Copyright Craig Munday

66085 on the 6c53 at St Blazey. Then 66085, the ernswhile CDA loco, took the JIAs back on Thursday 23rd afternoon. It is seen at St Blazey ready to push back beside the box. Copyright Craig Munday

Golant 38 CDA's visible in this consist crossing over Golant causeway. 23rd November 2017 Copyright Craig Munday.

Craig writes :- I popped down to Ian's farm for the last time in 2017 as the shadows now very steep with sunrise around 8am. The shadows were up over the track when I arrived, and I was pleased to see the angle increase as I watched. What perfection for relaxation, such a vista spread out in front of me - shadow watching. (I should get out more often)!

En route to Carn Point on the 23rd November 2017. Twenty four and a quarter CDA's visible in this view. Copyright Craig Munday

Seen at Restormel. Repaired 70803 with the railvac working from Exeter to Burngullow on the 24th November 2017

A trip to Looe
Mark Lynam

Last Friday I got the train down the Looe Branch, visiting all the stations along the way. It was lovely and sunny all day (although quite chilly). 153377 was working the line on that day. Mark
Many thanks - a good day for your outing.

153377 Liskeard 12th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

153377 St Keyne 12th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam (Just a shadow of himself!!)

153377 Causeland 12th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lyman

153377 Sandplace 153377 Liskeard 12th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam (Is that a potential passenger in the shelter?)

Journeys end - Looe on a bright but cold day. 17th November 2017. Copyright Mark Lynam

153377 and finally back to Combe Junction to make the twice daily call. 12th November 2017 Copyright Mark Lynam

Those were the days
Mike Roach

Please find attached 4 scans of a 1959 pamphlet, which is mint apart from a little fading which is to be expected after 58 years. Found today behind a picture in a picture frame.
Regards, Mike Many thanks Mike

In 1959 the average wage was £7.50 per week. Few houses had TV's, Fridge's, Central Heating and certainly not a dish washer. On the trains you had to pay for cycles, dogs and non-folding prams!

Holiday Runabout Tickets Summer 1959 Mike Roach Collection

Holiday Runabout Tickets 2 Summer 1959 Mike Roach Collection

Holiday Runabout Tickets 3 Summer 1959 Mike Roach Collection

Holiday Runabout Tickets 4 Summer 1959 Mike Roach Collection

Many thanks Mike, can I ask, please, that you take a look behind more pictures!!

Goonbarrow Branch
Alan Harris

Another Gem from the collection of Alan Harris. Thought to be at Stenalees on the climb from Goonbarrow Junction towards Stenalees tunnel. One wonders what the occasion is, it appears to be a posed picture with perhaps the driver and fireman standing on top of their mount, and perhaps the crew of the second engine standing in front. Quite a long train of wagons.

Bull Place, Nr Athelney
John Cornelius

Items added on 23rd November 2017 Those added most recently come first

23/11/2017

Freight Working etc through Plymouth today
Roger Winnen

171123c 70806 Calls at Plymouth on the 11.38 Moorswater to Aberthaw with the cement empties. Copyright Roger Winnen

171123d 70806 is seen departing Plymouth at 13.29. Copyright Roger Winnen

171123e 75406 is seen passing through Plymouth Station on the 10.02 Bristol Kingsland Road to Truro Yard. Copyright Roger Winnen

171123f 66127 Covered in grime seen also on the centre road in Plymouth heading for St Blazey with the RHTT. Copyright Roger Winnen -

171123g 66027 on the rear of the RHTT. These trains are certainly needed at the moment as the last London of the previous night had several attempts on Hemerdon it was reported. Copyright Roger Winnen

171123h 66085 Arrives in Plymouth with the 15.06 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside at 14.46 running some 73 mins early. Copyright Roger Winnen

Padstow Signalbox
Where is it now?

Hi there, are you the group to ask about the whereabouts of the remains of the signalbox? A few years ago I went to a garden in the town and saw it in use as a shed, no doubt the home of a former railwayman. I cannot remember the location but would like to see it again. My wife used to stay in the same house in the early sixties when the stationmaster, her uncle, was Reg Trigger!

Sent from the iPad of Nigel Bruce-Robertson Can anybody help please - a picture of it in its current condition would be much appreciated. Reply to the CRS website address - see home page.

As it was in 1963 courtesy of Mike Roach. Where is it now?? Copyright

Padstow box Peter Butt collection - copyright

Problems with the signalling equipment between
Penzance and St Erth
Roger Salter

Delays occurred today between Penzance and St Erth with trains being talked through the St Erth Semaphores at danger into the station,a running time up to twenty minutes from Penzance was encountered on the 10.00
Cancellations of the 07.41 to Paddington was reported as a Traction Equipment Fault. The 08.57 Penzance to St Ives was cancelled to St Erth but ran from St Erth to St Ives. This evening the 09.00 Glasgow Central to Penzance was terminated at Plymouth due to an issue with the train crew.
Not a good day. Roger Winnen

171123a The 08.28 Penzance to Glasgow held at Marazion during signalling failure between Penzance and St Erth. Copyright Roger Salter

171123b Finally on the move at 08.34 to Glasgow Central. Copyright Roger Salter

Latchley
Alan Harris

Latchley, a picture dated 2nd March 1908. One wonders just who they are? Was the lady the crossing keeper, was the gentleman with grubby trousers her husband, were they her children and who might the other smartly dressed gentlemen be? One notices a London to Paris Poster in the shelter, could one get a Latchley to Paris ticket?? From the Alan Harris Collection

Roy Hart added this much appreciated note within minutes of the picture being posted. As usual, Roy, many thanks for the additional info. Latchley was opened with the line in 1908. As opened, it was called Cox's Park Depot. There was a siding opposite the platform and also a stationmaster's house. The photo is probably the stationmaster's family and station staff. Note the signal post on the right: this was the only signal and it carried both 'up' and 'down' arms. The arms were operated by the horizontal levers which can be seen. The arm was then held in place by a ratchet.

Yeovil Railway Centre
John Cornelius

Copyright John Cornelius. Note :- Several years ago the Yeovil Railway Centre approached the NRM about the possibility of having a loco based at Yeovil. This was declined,but they offered us four goods wagons instead. The Nitric Acid tank wagon and the L&SWR GUNPOWDER VAN, have been restored and run in our demo goods train. The other two wagons have yet to be restored. All are on permanent loan to 'YRC'.

Items added on 22nd November 2017 Those added most recently come first

22/11/2017

Power Cars collect coach
Jamie Dyke & Andrew Triggs

There was a back to back Power Car move today (21st November) from Laira to Penzance, running as 0Z79 11.40 Laira TRSMD to Longrock TRSMD, as it arrived some 21 early at 13.42, I arrived at Marazion road bridge too late, it was already waiting at the end of the double track section awaiting the signal to enter the Depot. Anyway I managed to get several enclosed shots, the move was to collect FGW Standard class Coach No.42039, which as far as I'm aware, is due to return tomorrow as some stage (As yet nothing is listed on Realtime Trains) The 2 power cars are then due to move off lease from GWR
All the Best, Andrew Triggs

Seen at St Austell on the 21st November 2017 the 0Z79 1140 Laira TRSMD to Penzance TRSMD. 43146 + 43143 Copyright Jamie Dyke

43146/43143 on arrival at Longrock TMD at 13.42, running 21 early. Copyright Andrew Triggs

The 2 Power Cars were then separated with 43146 running forward, and then back onto Number 1 road, with 43143 remaining on the Reception road. 21st November 2017 Copyright Andrew Triggs

Revisiting the car park at 15.00, FGW Liveried Mk3 No.42039 has been marshalled between 43146 and 43143, pictured running onto No.1 Road.21st November 2017. Copyright Andrew Triggs

Zoomed in view of the formation taken from Longrock level crossing. 21st November 2017. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

Many thanks to Jamie Dyke and to Andrew Triggs for capturing the downwards move and the shunting at Long Rock. Removal of the branding on cease of lease seems to be a rather barbarous job - is some kind of solvent used?

Steam Crane at
Penzance
Roger Winnen

A steam crane at work lowering rocks for the sea defences. 11th September 1973 Copyright Roger Winnen

Chard Junction
John Cornelius

Items added on 21st November 2017 Those added most recently come first

21/11/2017

Penzance
Roger Winnen

The board is off as D1057 Western Chieftain awaits departure from Platform 2 at Penzance. 10th September 1973. One of the machines built at Crewe. Copyright Roger Winnen

Ahoy Fowey

Photographic Exhibition of Wartime Cornwall

Exhibition includes the Bodmin Stop Line, Wartime Christmas in Cornwall, the Battle of Britain Heroes from St Eval & much more.
Plus the chance to buy a copy of the brand new novel 'No Small Stir'
Upstairs at the Royal British Legion Town Quay, Fowey
4:00pm – 7:30pm-ish Fri 24th Nov 10:00am – 4:00pm Sat 25th Nov
Admission Free

Test Train
Karl Hewlet

Another test train is booked into our region again soon, should be Colas class 37/'s and coaching stock:

Tuesday 28th November Exeter Riverside New Yard to Penzance via St. Ives
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20475/2017/11/28/advanced

Wednesday 29th November Penzance to Exeter Riverside New Yard via Gunnislake
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/H20481/2017/11/29/advanced

Seem to be a bit lame in doing branches this time, but of course with STP it can change between now and the 28th November.

Kind Regards, Karl (Friends of Penmere Station). Many thanks Karl

Minehead
John Cornelius

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